As far as best beaches go there are endless lists compiled in travel magazines and on websites like TripAdvisor. The majority have secluded stretches of white powdered sand, azure seas, dramatic backdrops, and exotic vegetation. All of this is nice enough, but the truth is you can’t beat a beach with atmosphere, history and maybe even a bit of a reputation.
1. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana beach is a wondrous combination of land and sea, full of sunbathers and kids showing off their football skills. It plays host to numerous events throughout the year including a spectacular New Year's Eve Party, said to be one of the largest in the world. Rafaela Baraldi, SilverDoor’s Group Financial Controller, is originally from Sao Paulo, and has this to say about the beach:
“Paris has its café culture, whereas Copa’ has its kiosk culture. Stop at one of the many stands dotted along the boardwalk and enjoy local specialities such as a refreshing Açaí bowl, a glass of Caipirinha or fresh coconut water.”
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2. Venice Beach, California, USA
Venice Beach is a hive of activity from the moment the sun rises deep into the light of the moon. It’s also one of the best places in the world to simply sit back and “people watch”. Alison Makosz, SilverDoor’s Group Head of Partner Relationships loves Venice Beach. In her opinion:
“It’s a Californian cliché and a little bit hair-raising, but it really is fun to hire roller boots and skate along the boardwalk in your bikini”.
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3. Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
You probably wouldn’t want to get too near to the majority of the wildlife in South Africa, but at Boulders Beach you can get up-close-and-personal to the African Penguin. Located in Cape Peninsula, near Simon's Town, the beach is within the Table Mountain National Park.
Stuart Winstone, SilverDoor’s Commercial Director, has done numerous trips to Cape Town and been really impressed by Boulders Beach:
"Boulders Beach is the place to go for wildlife. It's home to a majestic colony of African penguins, which can be seen up close, and doubles as a nature preserve. While not your typical white sand beach, it's a must-visit spot, perfect for families for travelling couples."
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4. Blackpool, Lancashire, England
According to the old French proverb, “It’s impossible to overdo luxury”. If Blackpool is anything to go by then you can’t overdo tacky sentimental traditions. It’s the great British seaside at its best, so don your knotted hanky, role up your trousers and relax in a deckchair with newspaper wrapped fish and chips. July is the hottest month in Blackpool with an average of 16°C. Not exactly the giddy heights of the South of France, but Blackpool’s seven miles of golden sand is glorious in the sunshine (even if the North Sea water is a little chilly).
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5. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Bondi is a “city beach” and, therefore, full of contradictions. It’s energetic and laid back, spontaneous and thoughtful, cheap ‘n’ cheerful, high maintenance and glamorous; be you backpacker or billionaire you’ll get a “fair go” at Bondi. Francis Buchanan, SilverDoor's Junior Content Writer, offers this idea:
“Visit the famous Bondi Icebergs Club to swim laps in the 50 metre Olympic pool. Then later enjoy sunset drinks on the huge, sweeping balcony overlooking the beach”. Maybe this is opposed to braving the shark infested waters.
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